Tokyo

1. Electricity

Providers:

• TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) is the primary electricity provider in Tokyo.
• Other providers include ENEOS Denki, Looop Denki, and SoftBank Denki, offering competitive rates.

Setting Up:

• You can set up electricity service online, by phone, or through your real estate agent when moving in.
• TEPCO’s website has an English portal for foreigners: TEPCO English Website.
• You’ll need your address, move-in date, and personal details (passport or residence card).

Costs:

• Basic charge: ¥1,000–¥2,000/month depending on the size of your home.
• Usage charge: ¥20–¥30 per kWh.
• Monthly bills for a single person typically range from ¥3,000–¥6,000.

Tips:

• Consider switching to a competitive provider for lower rates.
• Electricity in Japan is 100V, 50Hz in Tokyo. Ensure your appliances are compatible.

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2. Water

Provider:

• Water services in Tokyo are managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks.

Setting Up:

• Contact the Bureau of Waterworks to start service. This can be done online or by phone.
• Website: Tokyo Waterworks.
• You’ll need your address, move-in date, and personal details.

Costs:

• Basic charge: ¥1,000–¥2,000/month.
• Usage charge: ¥200–¥300 per cubic meter.
• Monthly bills for a single person typically range from ¥2,000–¥4,000.

Tips:

• Water bills are issued every two months.
• Payments can be made via bank transfer, convenience stores, or automatic withdrawal.

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3. Gas

Providers:

• Tokyo Gas is the main provider in Tokyo.
• Other providers include ENEOS Gas and Nippon Gas.

Setting Up:

• Contact Tokyo Gas or your chosen provider to set up service. This can be done online or by phone.
• Website: Tokyo Gas English Website.
• A technician will visit your home to activate the gas supply, so schedule an appointment.

Costs:

• Basic charge: ¥1,000–¥2,000/month.
• Usage charge: ¥150–¥300 per cubic meter.
• Monthly bills for a single person typically range from ¥3,000–¥5,000.

Tips:

• Gas is commonly used for cooking and heating water in Tokyo.
• Ensure someone is home during the technician’s visit to activate the service.

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4. Internet

Providers:

• Major providers include NTT Flets, SoftBank Hikari, au Hikari, and Docomo Hikari.
• Pocket Wi-Fi and mobile data plans are also popular for short-term stays.

Setting Up:

• Internet setup can take 1–4 weeks, as installation may require a technician.
• Some providers offer English support, such as Sakura Fiber Internet and SoftBank.
• You’ll need your address, residence card, and bank account details.

Costs:

• Fiber-optic plans: ¥4,000–¥6,000/month.
• Pocket Wi-Fi: ¥3,000–¥5,000/month.

Tips:

• Check if your apartment already has a fiber-optic connection to speed up installation.
• Consider renting Pocket Wi-Fi for immediate internet access while waiting for installation.

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5. Mobile Services

Providers:

• Major carriers: Docomo, au by KDDI, and SoftBank.
• Budget carriers: Rakuten Mobile, Y!Mobile, UQ Mobile, and IIJmio.

Setting Up:

• Visit a store or apply online. Bring your residence card, passport, and a Japanese bank account or credit card.
• Some providers offer English support, such as Rakuten Mobile and SoftBank.

Costs:

• Major carriers: ¥5,000–¥8,000/month for unlimited data plans.
• Budget carriers: ¥1,500–¥3,000/month for limited data plans.

Tips:

• Budget carriers often use the same networks as major carriers but at lower prices.
• Consider getting a SIM card with data-only plans if you don’t need voice calls.

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6. Waste Management

System:

• Tokyo has a strict and detailed waste separation system. Categories include:
  • Burnable waste (燃やすゴミ): Food scraps, paper, etc.
  • Non-burnable waste (燃やさないゴミ): Metal, glass, etc.
  • Recyclables (資源ゴミ): Plastic bottles, cans, paper, etc.
  • Large items (粗大ゴミ): Furniture, appliances, etc.

Procedures:

• Check your ward’s waste disposal schedule and rules. Each ward has its own system.
• Burnable waste is usually collected twice a week, while recyclables and non-burnable waste are collected less frequently.
• Large items require a special pickup request and fee.

Costs:

• Regular waste disposal is free, but large item pickup costs ¥300–¥2,000 depending on the item.

Tips:

• Purchase official garbage bags from convenience stores or supermarkets.
• Follow the rules strictly to avoid fines or uncollected trash.

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General Tips for Navigating Utilities in Tokyo

1. Language Barrier: Many providers have limited English support. Use translation apps or ask for help from your real estate agent or a Japanese-speaking friend.
2. Payment Methods: Most utilities can be paid via bank transfer, credit card, or at convenience stores. Setting up automatic payments is highly recommended.
3. Moving Out: Notify all utility providers at least two weeks before moving out to avoid unnecessary charges.
4. Emergency Numbers:
   • Electricity: TEPCO (0120-995-001)
   • Gas: Tokyo Gas (0570-002211)
   • Water: Tokyo Waterworks (03-5326-1100)

By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to set up and manage your utilities and services in Tokyo smoothly. Let me know if you need further assistance!